Let’s talk about sports photography! Are you as excited for the Winter Olympics as I am? Every few years we’re introduced to the greatest athletes in the world. We watch in awe of their talent and learn the stories of triumph and tragedy that lead to that Olympic moment—moments that are gone in a heart beat, but captured forever on film.

Now, if there’s one thing to know about me, it’s this: I am genuinely fascinated by people. I find such beauty in human connection and the stories that people share. It’s why I became a photographer! The opportunity to use my artistic talent to document stories of love, family, and celebration is a dream come true. And while I get to capture you and your story, it’s also important that you feel comfortable with the face behind the lens. So let me tell you some of MY story… and shed some light on my Olympic excitement and passion for sports photography.

I’ve been fortunate enough to live in some awesome places.

I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. First I went east, attending college at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, before heading west in Colorado Springs, where I now live with my husband, Mike, and our dog, Cooper. Mike is a University of Michigan alum (Go Blue!) who is serving our country in the U.S. Air Force. I couldn’t be more proud! Together we love to spend time with family and friends, have regular game nights, and cook amazing cuisine. (Let’s not kid ourselves, Mike does much more of the cooking than me.) Then there’s Cooper, the adorable addition to our family. He’s a sweet little shepherd/Lab rescue, who hates toys but loves to sing.

Beyond that, it’d be hard to introduce myself without talking about the sport that helped shape me: figure skating. Skating was my first love (sorry, Mike). I started when I was four years old, and five years later, discovered synchronized skating. Synchronized skating is a beautiful, elegant, and complex sport with 16-20 skaters moving in unison across the ice, creating different shapes and forms with remarkable speed and complex turns. Thirteen seasons later, I had fulfilled many lifelong dreams being a part of an extraordinary and unique sport. I loved the spotlight and having my photo taken, but I really loved the feeling I got from being a part of a team and a community.

Here’s where my two passions work in perfect harmony:

Photography and figure skating… All the facets of my heart working together to create a knowledgeable skillset in sports photography. As a former competitive skater, I know how to work with tough lighting. I can anticipate which highlights are coming next, and find the perfect angles to capture your technique. And much like the athletes we’re all gearing up to cheer on, you can let my artistry and experience help tell YOUR unique story.

I can even lace up my skates and get on the ice to capture both action and portrait photos. I can come with ideas, but recommend that athletes think of the things they want photographed in advance (since everyone’s abilities are different).

If teams are looking for an all-encompassing package of both individual and team portraits, we can make it a full media day. I’ll spend the time with your team to capture action shots and portraits, both of the team and individuals. Adding a sports photography component is a perfect addition for showcases, boot camp weekends, exhibitions or any other event your organization would like to capture. (Who knows, maybe these images will even flash across our televisions as the broadcasters tell your story one day!) 

Believe me, I get it. There’s so much about booking a photo session that can feel daunting, from finding the right photographer to feeling awkward in front of the camera. There’s a lot to think about! I’m here to make it easy and comfortable. I come from Wisconsin, where we value hard work, connection, and trust. I’ll work hard for you—not only in beautifully documenting your story, but also in making sure that you have a great experience, be it commemorating your graduation, celebrating your engagement, capturing your wedding or working together in sports photography.

My goal is to arrive on site feeling like old friends. We’ll spend time getting to know each other before your shoot so we arrive on site feeling like old friends. I’ll come armed with prompts and strategies to make you feel so comfortable, you’ll forget I’m even there! And, I’ll cut back on any post-shoot anxieties with a guaranteed photo preview within 24-48 hours after your shoot.

You can check out information on my figure skating photography packages, including team media days, portrait sessions and custom photo books here, and follow my sports photography account on Instagram @FigureSkatingPhotographer. Whatever your Olympic moment looks like, let’s capture the journey together!